a direct reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a direct reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting or referring to a response that is straightforward and to the point. Example: "I appreciate your feedback, but I would prefer a direct reply to my question about the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"This new rhetoric is a direct reply to Petritsch that they are serious this time," Mr. Avdic said.

The New York Times

At a press conference Stevenson refused to give a direct reply about his stand on Taft-Hartley.

The New Yorker

The lawsuit filed Monday, in Huntsman's home in Montgomery County, Tex., is not a direct reply to that legal action.

The New York Times

"Unlike some German militarists, you do not favour an alliance with Soviet Russia?" Hitler evaded a direct reply to this question.

The Guardian

Mr Figes admits that the question itself is loaded with ideas of national soul or character, for a start and warns readers not to expect a direct reply.

The Economist

Jack Mapanje remained in his seat as he told how a petition organised by Edinburgh University managed to elicit a direct reply from the Malawian dictator, Hastings Banda.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He avoided a direct answer, replying: "I believe with all my heart that God created the heavens and the earth, the seas and all that is in them … How he did that, I'll ask him about some day".

The Guardian

James avoided a direct answer and replied: "You know, neighbors are important; we depend on one another".

Human Nature

No official record exists of any direct reply to Mr. Popper.

The New York Times

Asked how Capital One plans to monetize its new investment, it didn't reply with a direct answer, only saying that Level Money is "one of many steps that Capital One is making to deliver a next-generation banking experience".

TechCrunch

The Facebook CTO avoided a direct answer but essentially his reply boiled down to: People can't do anything about this right now; they have to wait until June when Facebook will be rolling out the ad transparency measures it trailed earlier this month — then he claimed: "You will basically be able to see every running ad on the platform".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a direct reply" when you want to emphasize that you expect or received a clear, unambiguous, and straightforward response to a question or request.

Common error

Avoid using "a direct reply" in casual conversation where a more relaxed or indirect response is acceptable. In informal settings, a less formal phrase might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a direct reply" functions as a noun phrase often used as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, emphasizing the clarity and forthrightness of the response.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

24%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a direct reply" is a phrase used to describe or request a clear and straightforward response. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While it is common, it should be used thoughtfully, avoiding overuse in informal settings where more relaxed language might be appropriate. Alternatives such as "a straightforward response" or "a clear answer" can provide variety while maintaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A straightforward response

Emphasizes clarity and lack of ambiguity in the answer.

A clear answer

Focuses on the comprehensibility and ease of understanding of the reply.

A precise answer

Highlights accuracy and exactness in the response.

An immediate response

Stresses the promptness and lack of delay in the reply.

A prompt answer

Similar to 'immediate response', emphasizing quickness.

An explicit reply

Indicates that the answer is openly and fully stated.

A point-blank response

Highlights the directness and bluntness of the answer.

A straight answer

Implies honesty and lack of evasion in the reply.

A categorical response

Suggests the answer is without conditions or exceptions.

A definitive answer

Implies a conclusive and final resolution in the reply.

FAQs

How to use "a direct reply" in a sentence?

You can use "a direct reply" when you want to emphasize that you expect or received a clear, unambiguous, and straightforward response to a question or request. For example: "I need "a direct reply" about your intentions."

What can I say instead of "a direct reply"?

You can use alternatives like "a straightforward response", "a clear answer", or "an immediate response" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a direct reply" or "a indirect reply"?

"A direct reply" is the correct term. "Indirect reply" implies an evasive or roundabout answer, which is the opposite.

What's the difference between "a direct reply" and "a direct answer"?

While similar, "a direct reply" implies a response to a question or communication, while "a direct answer" simply indicates a straightforward answer to a question. The former is more context-specific.